#Quarantinography was a working title for this post. I wasn't sure how to approach this next post during these abnormal times. Nor did I know just how eerie this photoshoot, on a Friday at rush hour in Boston, was going to feel. With everyone bravely adhering to the #stayhome order, I knew it would be quieter than usual. But, prepared with my PPE, I was ready for anything.

Though there were plenty of cars traveling beside me, on my way down from Salem towards Boston, once I exited the I-93 tunnel onto Purchase Street, it was as though time had stopped. Within the convolutedly-laid out streets of what is the financial district in Boston, in the shadows of brick and mortar giants, walk-signals chirped in concert with seagulls singing for an absent audience. Now, with my camera setup and viewpoints mapped out, it was time to wait for the sun to do its thing.

*125 High Street, 2020 © Joseph Ferraro*

As someone who's photography-style emphasizes control, over lighting, and composition, I am usually in a dance with the rhythm of the street among the public. But, without anyone to dance with, I had my buildings all to myself. While I wished for a bike messenger or a few cars with streaking headlights, this was a practice in presenting my subject in good light and less about action.

My goal was to photograph the available, street-level retail space at the corner of High and Pearl Streets. And, to showcase that space by placing it in context to the surrounding area to aid my clients in selling the lease to the best future occupant. Using my Canon 17mm and 24mm tilt-shift lenses, I carefully used perspective to entertain the viewer and map out the location.

I couldn't have asked for a better night in terms of lighting. There were only a few passing, wispy-clouds. The sun really delivered on a night that otherwise could've left me wanting for so much more. Not in the least, would I have preferred there to be no people at all. At least a few dozen would've helped to season these images with some much-needed signs of life.

And, it's a life I hope we get to enjoy in the company of so many others as soon as it's safe for all of us.

Stay well, Boston.